Monday, October 5, 2009

Great Wolf Lodge

My sister in law and her family recently visited Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. While neither of her two kids have peanut allergy, she is always on the lookout for allergy information on our behalf.

After checking out the website, which states Great Wolf Lodge is not peanut free, she did find some information on their willingness to accommodate certain food allergies. When she typed in "Nut Free" in the Ask a Mom section, here's what turned up:

Question: My son has several food allergies including wheat, egg and peanut/tree nut. How would we handle his food requirements during our stay? Is there a kitchenette option where I can cook his meal ie special pasta/gluten free grilled cheese etc?

Answer: Hello! The are refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms, but no ovens. You can also call ahead and speak with the chef or hotel management about your son's special dietary needs. The Lodge is more than willing to accommodate and create special meals for your son, if needed."

Question: What if my kid has food allergies?

Answer: Great question! There are several different dining options available at the Lodge. There is a Pizza Hut, a buffet, a restaurant, and several snack shops. You can also call ahead and speak with management or the chef on duty to tell you what options are available. The chefs are more than willing to accommodate your special dietary needs, you just have to ask. You can also bring your own food since every room is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator.

Great information, sil, so thanks!

Still, I keep wondering why facilities that cater to kids can't make more of an effort to make their food more friendly for allergy sufferers. While I realize this would be a huge undertaking, it could start with something as simple as partnering with outlets that are peanut free to start. In this case, for example, why not partner with a pizza place that is peanut free, like Pizza Nova, instead of Pizza Hut whose products simply aren't safe for PA kids.

1 comment:

We went to GWL this summer for my daughter's birthday (4th b-day and she's anaphylactic to peanuts). We ate in the restaurants each night that we were there. We told the server that my daughter is allergic to peanuts and the chef came out, sat with us and discussed the menu. They also had peanut free ice-cream in the back that we just had to request. I couldn't have been happier with the whole experience. We'll definately be making that trip a yearly adventure!

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Welcome to Peanut Patrol

A blog about how one family is finding safe places to eat out in Toronto

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Always do your own research before eating out with a severely allergic child. Call ahead and speak with the restaurant owner or chef, remind the staff once you arrive. Ask once again before you order and when the food arrives. Always carry an epi-pen, medical information and a cell phone. Understand there is always a risk.

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About Me

Since my 20 month old son was diagnosed with life-threatening peanut allergy, I've become the crazy nut lady!
In Toronto, eating out is almost a sport, and it's one that my husband and I enjoyed frequently, both with and without our tot.
An anaphylatic reaction to a dab of peanut butter smeared on toast pretty much put an end to that. Instantly, we stopped eating out. Even ordering in seemed fraught with stress.
By starting this blog, I'm hoping to find a 'new normal' A way to balance keeping our son safe, while still enjoying all that the city has to offer.